Koroit, Port Fairy opt to rest stars ahead of finals campaigns.

ON ICE: Koroit's Liam Hoy will not play this weekend after Saints coach Chris McLaren decided to rest the midfielder after he suffered a corked thigh/hip. James Gow is also an omission for the Saints. Picture: Mark Witte

KOROIT and Port Fairy are hoping their decision to rest stars for the final regular game of the season will be vindicated with a long run into this year's final series.

Saints coach Chris McLaren decided to take a cautious approach with midfielders James Gow (ankle) and Liam Hoy (corked thigh/hip) ahead of a tilt at a sixth straight premiership.

"He (Hoy) could have played if this was a final or a must win for us but we though we would freshen him up for a big finals campaign," McLaren said.

Ben Dobson, who was rested for last weekend's victory over the Seagulls, and under 18s rising star Clem Nagorcka return to face Terang Mortlake.

The Seagulls have rested leader Matt Sully as the club prepares for its fifth finals series in a row.

But in a boost for the Dan Nicholson-coached side Kaine Mercovich, Dylan Gunning, Sandy Robinson, Lochie Gunning and Sam McCartney all return to the senior side to face Hamilton Kangaroos this Saturday.

Port Fairy assistant coach Winis Imbi said McCartney was ready to go after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for half the season and after getting through last weekend's return in the reserves.

RESTED: Port Fairy's Matthew Sully will not play this weekend against Hamilton Kangaroos. Picture: Morgan Hancock

Vice-captain Brady Hicks and Hugh Douglas return for the Kangaroos, who will be looking to knock off the Seagulls in Matt Dunn's last game as senior coach.

Camperdown utility Charlie Brett will return in place of the suspended Lachlan Bone, who accepted a two-match ban for striking Portland's Daniel Falcone last Saturday.

Magpies co-coach Neville Swayn said Brett had earned his place in the side.

"He will play through our back rotation and could go through on ball we will see how the game pans out," he said.

"He can play a number of roles. He can go back, mid or a run with role if we need. He has done everything right over the last two or three weeks and has been solid in the twos."

North Warrnambool Eagles welcome back ruckman and captain Jordan Dillon along with half-back flanker Will Scriven for its clash against South Warrnambool, who have skipper Liam Hoy and Tim Brown returning.

Warrnambool leader Sam Cowling is one of the Blues' inclusions but they will be without Jed Turland, who is out with an ankle injury.

Wil Fleming, Martin Van Rooy and Lachlan Dwyer are also back for the Blues while Portland's Edmund Pritchard, Tylar Watts, Luke Barnes and Harrison Kerr are in for the Tigers' final game.